Start With a Clear Plan Before the Big Day
Wedding days are fast-paced, emotional, and packed with activity. That is to say, even the best-planned day can fall behind schedule if small details go overlooked. Therefore, getting your bridal party prepared for the photo and video portion ahead of time can make a major difference.
We’ve worked with dozens of bridal parties, and we’ve learned that good preparation reduces stress and makes every image and clip shine. In other words, the more ready your party is, the more fun and relaxed your session will feel. For example, we often recommend going over the schedule with everyone the night before.
Choose One Getting Ready Location If Possible
Whenever possible, we suggest having your entire bridal party get ready in one central location. Above all, this saves time. It also helps us stay on schedule and avoid delays from travel or traffic.
In addition, one location allows the wedding photographer and videographer to move between candid and styled shots easily. For instance, if bridesmaids are helping with the dress while groomsmen prepare their suits in the same house or hotel, it creates authentic moments we can capture naturally. Similarly, group excitement feels more unified and cohesive on camera when everyone shares space.
Keep the Space Clutter-Free and Light-Filled
On the morning of the wedding, it’s common for a getting-ready room to fill with bags, boxes, and drinks. However, clutter can show up in the background of your final photos and videos. That is to say, a messy room makes even the most joyful moment appear chaotic.
So, designate a corner for bags and non-essentials. In the same vein, choose a room with lots of natural light if you can. Bright spaces make it easier for us to work efficiently and produce vibrant, sharp footage. Likewise, having fewer distractions in the background allows your expressions and emotions to take center stage.
Coordinate Outfits for Cohesion, Not Just Color
Matching robes or outfits are popular for bridal party prep, and for good reason. However, we always advise thinking beyond color. That is to say, consider how the materials and fit of each outfit will photograph under different lighting conditions.
For example, satin may reflect light in ways cotton doesn’t. As a result, photos can show unintentional shine or shadows if the group has mixed textures. Similarly, choosing a uniform length or silhouette for prep outfits can help the group look balanced when standing or sitting together in wide-angle shots.
Give Everyone a Quick Timeline Recap That Morning
Even if your bridal party reviewed the timeline the night before, give them a gentle refresher over breakfast or while getting ready. After that, most people stay more relaxed when they know what’s coming.
Make sure everyone understands when the group photos start, when to be dressed, and who needs to be present for which moments. For instance, your maid of honor may be in charge of helping you into your gown, while others focus on details like bouquets or touch-ups. Consequently, this clarity keeps everyone focused without feeling rushed.
Limit Phones and Distractions During Portraits
Phones have become part of daily life, but during portrait time, we often encourage bridal parties to leave phones aside. In other words, constant texting or scrolling breaks focus and slows the group’s energy.
Instead, we ask everyone to be present and engaged. For instance, groomsmen joking together or bridesmaids laughing while holding bouquets creates natural, beautiful moments. Similarly, when phones are away, eye contact and real interactions take priority. Most importantly, this makes the session move faster and gives better results in both photos and video.
Encourage Natural Interactions During Group Shots
Stiff posing rarely looks comfortable, and it can drain energy fast. That’s why we often guide bridal parties into relaxed groupings. After that, we prompt light conversation or movement to keep everyone engaged.
For example, we may ask bridesmaids to whisper a joke or have groomsmen adjust their boutonnieres for each other. Consequently, these moments feel spontaneous even if they’re lightly directed. Likewise, it creates footage that doesn’t just show who was there, but also how it felt.
Assign a Point Person for the Photo and Video Crew
We strongly recommend selecting one or two people who can act as a liaison between your bridal party and the wedding videographer. That is to say, they can help gather people when needed, locate missing items, or answer basic questions.
This person should be someone calm, reliable, and not easily distracted. For instance, a close friend who isn’t in every shot or a sibling who knows the schedule well. In addition, having someone the crew can turn to without interrupting the bride or groom keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Prepare Small Essentials in Advance
Bridal parties often forget small but important items. So, we always recommend having a mini emergency kit ready the night before. For example, include hairpins, a sewing kit, tissues, water, snacks, and extra makeup for touch-ups.
Similarly, ask each member of your party to label their items and store valuables safely. After that, it’s easier to move locations, step outside for group shots, or do video walk-throughs without leaving things behind. Most importantly, this reduces panic and lets everyone stay in the moment.
Remind the Group to Stay Hydrated and Eat
Excitement often takes over during the morning, but we always tell bridal parties: do not skip food and water. That is to say, fainting, headaches, or nausea can derail even the best photo session.
So, schedule a light meal and hydration breaks into the morning. For instance, breakfast and fruit trays with plenty of water bottles nearby can go a long way. Likewise, well-fed and hydrated people smile more, follow direction better, and feel at ease during the entire day.
Give the Photographer and Videographer Space to Work
It’s natural to want to be involved in every step, but giving your visual team breathing room helps us capture your story better. Therefore, we recommend asking your bridal party to avoid hovering, blocking windows, or watching playback.
Instead, trust that we’re getting the angles and framing each shot for its best look. For example, wedding photography works best when our focus stays uninterrupted. Likewise, your expressions will be more genuine if you’re not being over-directed by too many people at once.
Use Short, Calm Cues Before Each Major Group Session
Before jumping into big group moments like first looks or ceremony walkouts, we often suggest taking 30 seconds with your bridal party to breathe and reset. That is to say, a calm pause improves posture and focus before we hit record or click.
For example, a quiet “Let’s all take a deep breath together” can reset nerves. Similarly, small reminders like “Look up, relax your shoulders” can prevent stiff shots or last-minute jitters. Most importantly, this keeps energy steady and supports a smoother visual flow across the day.
Keep the Session Moving by Avoiding Repeats
Many bridal parties want multiple poses in the same location. However, repeating shots too often can wear people out. That is to say, variety is great—but efficiency matters even more.
So, we create quick transitions between setups. For example, after a formal line-up, we’ll move right into a walking shot or laughter moment. In the same vein, we may use cues like “Turn toward each other” or “Look over your shoulder” to change dynamics without needing long re-sets. As a result, your final footage feels full of life without dragging the process.
Check-In With Us Briefly Before Ceremony Time
Right before the ceremony begins, we appreciate a quick check-in if possible. This helps us confirm final details, understand any last-minute changes, and make sure your bridal party is positioned where needed.
For instance, if a parent or reader is joining the procession or an unexpected shift has occurred, we can adjust lighting, angles, or timing. Likewise, having everyone in sync avoids confusion when doors open or music starts. After that, you and your group can focus fully on the ceremony while we handle the visuals.
Add a Moment for Group Gratitude at the End
One of our favorite behind-the-scenes memories always comes from the end of the portrait session. That is to say, just before the party lines up for the reception or joins cocktail hour, we suggest a brief moment of appreciation.
For example, gather your bridal party for a few words of thanks. Similarly, we may capture hugs, hand squeezes, or simple eye contact between lifelong friends. Consequently, this turns into some of the most heartfelt footage or photos of the day. You’ll be glad you took the time to mark the moment.
Provide Contact Details in Case of Any Delays
Sometimes, delays happen. That is to say, even with the best planning, someone might get stuck in traffic or misplace a key item. So, we recommend assigning backup contacts with phone numbers we can use during the prep.
For instance, one bridesmaid and one groomsman can serve as emergency points of contact. In addition, share this info with your wedding photographer and video crew before the day begins. Above all, this gives us options for problem-solving without needing to interrupt you for small issues.
FAQs
How early should our bridal party be dressed before photos?
Ideally, the bridal party should be fully dressed 30 to 45 minutes before the first scheduled photo or video moment. This leaves time for any touch-ups or adjustments without feeling rushed.
What if someone in the bridal party is camera shy?
We use relaxed prompts and natural cues to help everyone feel comfortable. In most cases, people warm up quickly once we start moving and laughing together.
Can we include pets or children in the bridal party photos?
Absolutely, just let us know ahead of time. We’ll plan the session around their needs to keep things safe, smooth, and fun.
What if weather forces a last-minute location change?
We always have backup plans. Whether we shoot indoors or shift to another spot nearby, we’ll still get the photos and footage you need.
How long does the full bridal party photo session usually take?
On average, we recommend allowing 45 to 60 minutes for a full session. This gives us time for posed shots, candid moments, and different combinations without feeling rushed.